What is a bespoke ocular prosthetic?

A bespokecraftsman such as a tailor makes things that are specially made for the customer.
We take pride in using this technique and believe in it completely. Our eyes are 100% custom made with all parts made in house using the highest quality materials, we do not employ any outside or third parties for this.

Taking an impression and using the lost wax technique, we get the best possible fit resulting in the best possible outcome. The benefits from using the Bespoke technique are improved comfort, precise gaze and greater motility of the eye.

Does it hurt?

A well-made prosthesis should feel comfortable to wear without any pain. In some cases, you may need to build up a tolerance to wearing a prosthesis. At the wax stage of the build you will be able to tell if anything isn’t feeling quite right, if you have a good Ocularist you can work together at this point to make it the most comfortable fit possible.

Will it fall out ?

Our goal as your Ocularist is to get the best fit possible, which means the prosthesis should sit within the socket without any risk of it falling out. In some cases where there is Lower Lid Laxity upon consultation we would refer you on to an Oculoplastic surgeon to discuss your options.

How often will I need one?

Prosthesis replacement is dependent on the age of the patient. In adults, we suggest every 3-4 years. This is because as we age our socket shape changes as does our iris and sclera colour.

In children, this can vary greatly dependant on age. As an example, a new born through to the age of two can require up to 15 prosthesis including conformers. However, this will slow up drastically after the age of two years when the rate of growth slows.

Why do I need to get it polished every four months?

As the prosthesis is made of acrylic your bodies proteins can eat into the top layer of PMMA. This is on a micro scale but is enough to slow the motility and dull down the natural glisten of the prosthesis reducing realism. Polishing also helps to maintain the hygiene and health of the socket. This is also a good opportunity to have a check-up and see how things are going.

Can I swim with my prosthesis in?

You can swim with it in, however you would need to be a little bit more careful than someone without a prosthesis. Some people feel more comfortable with the prosthesis out as they would rather not run the risk of losing it.

Can I get a designer eye?

Please do….. Oculus Prosthetics is one of the only clinics in the world offering this service and we love it.

Terminology

Definitive Prosthesis: Bespoke Moulded, hand painted artificial eye.

Cosmetic Shell: Thin full surface shell hand made in PMMA to cover disfigured or phthisical eye.

Conformer: Plastic shield placed within the fornices of the socket at the final stages of enucleation/evisceration to maintain the forniceal depth and to help reduce post-op swelling.